How to Repair a Vinyl Tent

A hole in a tent can ruin a camping trip. Repairing the hole is a simple procedure, but should be done well in advance of using the tent so the patch has a chance to completely dry. When patched properly, a hole in a tent will be a memory and won't dampen your camping experience.

Things You'll Need

• Piece of loose vinyl
• Sandpaper
• 1 thin paintbrush
• Vinyl adhesive

Instructions

1. Cut the patch. Cut a piece of vinyl that will cover the hole in the tent with approximately an inch around the hole.

2. Clean the surface to be repaired. Gently clean the surface area with soap and water. Allow to dry.

3. Gently sand the area around the hole with light sandpaper. This will help the glue and the new piece of vinyl stick together.

4. Apply the adhesive to the area around the hole. Using a thin paintbrush, apply the adhesive to the sanded areas around the hole. Do not use too much adhesive, as it will seep out around the patch.

5. Gently press the patch over the hole. Let the patch sit for at least 12 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the vinyl patch is waterproof. Otherwise, add a waterproof coating the the patch before using the tent.

• For added security, you can apply aluminum tape to the inside of the tent over the patch.

• If the hole is large or in a stress point of the tent, a patch might not fix the problem.

References

• The SEC Group: Vinyl Patching Methods

Resources

• VinylPro